The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Going Electric
Electric instruments are everywhere in today’s music scene. You don’t have to look far to see an Indie band with an electric cellist, a punk rock band with an electric violinist, or even hip-hop using electric violins (looking at you, Black Violin!) Electric string instruments are being used in concerts by the Wu-Tang Clan, Kanye West, Katy Perry and more surprising artists. Going electric is a portal for a string musician into the entire world of genres outside of classical and traditional music. Electric instruments give string players flexibility to change not only their volume but their entire sound by adding filters, effects, and more to their set up.
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Why Step-Up?
Determining the right time to Step-up your instrument or your student’s can seem overwhelming, especially given the variety available to choose from. Though many violins and violas are similar in appearance, not all are created equal, and playing the right instrument can make a world of difference for developing talent. With the guidance of both your instructor and Vermont Violins’ friendly staff, we can help ensure stepping-up to a new instrument will be a fun and exciting stage in your musical growth.
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Pernambuco vs. Carbon Fiber Bows
What is the relationship between the bow and our instruments? Why do different bows make the instrument sound different? How do I choose the best bow in my price range? Should I try a carbon fiber bow as well as a Pernambuco bow?
Massimo Lucchi described the relationship between the bow and the violin this way: the bow produces the vibrations, the violin acts as an amplifier and transmits the vibrations. Coming from a bow making family, Massimo emphasizes the importance of the bow. Interestingly, professional players often converge with Massimo’s perspective over time, choosing an instrument and then a bow to develop the tone, dynamic range, and depth of the instrument.
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How do I choose my instrument?
Check out our 4-part video series on how to choose an instrument! Kathy, a professional violist and owner of Vermont Violins, will walk you through the steps required to buy an instrument as well as some tips along the way to ensure you find the perfect match.
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Should You Rent Vs Purchase Your Violin?
Should You Rent Or Purchase Your Violin? Whether you choose to rent or to purchase a violin, viola, cello or bass for your student, our program provides the flexibility you need to support your student’s playing.
When to rent:
You are not sure how long the student will play. A good idea for students (all ages) who have never played before or who took a long break from playing. Reasons students quit vary widely, but include: pain (often previous injuries particularly in the neck, hands, or back), lack of...
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